The 26 Years of Burnside Anniversary Og reunion & the new skateboarder generations “right of passage” was epic to say the least. Godzilla & artwork adorned the walls spawned out of toxic waste similar to how Burnside has spread over the past 26 years, a slow-moving natural disaster of individual or organized builders, lifers, and Do it Yourself Die Hards.
Rain only fell before noon, so the weather was pretty damn good this year and the temperature for costumes and skateboarding or just soaking in the spectacle was excellent.
Red kicked off the event by installing a new temporary reusable vert extension on the “elbow” and he brought extra speakers and blasted a wild Dj set in his signature style all while getting on board riding the new vert.
The Lost Bombers in full flying gear, set up their band in the street to get the music and Portland crowd pumped up, bringing the hype & rocking a great set. Punk Rock is alive and well in the skateboarding world, and its awesome.
Monk drove the Cauldron 2 (self-contained fully mobile music transport Mad Max vehicle) in front of the park and set off Grindline the Band to perform Skate Rock style like no other. Og Burnsider Myg kicked off the box truck mega sound system as the lights came on with a full sound effect board with movie sounds, sirens, air warnings, and a mix of hip hop, punk rock and more.
Kable Roc performed on top of the truck giving shots out to Burnside and all the skateboarders he rode with and grew up with at the park.
Myg and numerous others hit mics for hours (Doin it Big) & eventually blowing the speakers around 8. The vibe, crowd and event, crazy costumes and a good ratio of females made it easy to smile and leave worries behind. No complaints from our new 22 story building apt neighbors, no fights, no cops, no accidents or major injuries, no one got towed, and there was a sense of pride with everyone generally pitching in while having a good time.
Per request of No fireworks needed, Only limited fireworks & mortar explosions rang in Burnsides Birthday, the skateboarding was the real explosion this year with a packed session all day and crowded decks as it continued into the night.
This was the first Halloween ever, with the new permanently installed LED Lights (on nightly) that shined enough for the session to continue as long as people wanted to ride. Numerous young and old rejoiced together to celebrate the DIY Spirit and ground zero of the re-birth of concrete skatepark building & the DIY explosion. The movement that started in the 1990s, is as strong as ever.
New concrete additions and designs are in Burnside’s near future, and the community has been putting extra thought into the design and build out.
Thanks to everyone that performed, helped out, and donated, to make it all happen in the past and nowadays, here and everywhere we appreciate you all!
The miracle under Burnside Bridge that changed our lives! Keep the Dream Alive.
DIY or DIE
Ride Free
“Freedom Forever”
Burnside 26 years
Words by Jay Meer @jaymeericle
Photos by Olga Aguilar @olga_aguilar___
